“Up until now, every discussion on unification has been consumed with the “process” of unification, usually seen through the lens of Cold War geo-politics and interests…I believe such a framework only exacerbates the social, political and economic divide between the two Koreas, making any sincere efforts for unification next to impossible. The real issue is whether we, as the Korean people, have a clear vision for unification.” -Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Korean Dream

Panelists and speakers at a forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Global Peace Foundation were cautiously optimistic about changing dynamics between Russia and the two Koreas. The forum is the fourth part of a series on Korean Unification.

“Russia is strongly interested in better relations between North and South Korea,” Dr. Alexander Zhebin, director of the Center for Korean Studies at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Moscow

“Russia is strongly interested in better relations between North and South Korea,” said Dr. Alexander Zhebin, director of the Center for Korean Studies at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Moscow and 12-year diplomat and journalist to North Korea. “Economic cooperation will help to develop the DPRK economy, to make the North Koreans more prepared to live in a modern society. In other words, it will help to lessen the existing gap between two parts of the country and cut unification’s cost.”

Dr. Andrew Kuchins, senior fellow and director of CSIS’s Russia and Eurasia Program also sees the budding economic relationships in Eurasia as a positive force for Korean reunification. “The fundamentally important thing happening on the Eurasian continent is connectivity and how to take advantage of new transit corridors, and this is where unification and a soft landing of the Korean conflict is important.”

Panelists at a forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Global Peace Foundation expressed reserved optimistic about developing relations between Russia and the two Koreas

However, Dr. Gilbert Rosman, emeritus Musgrave Professor of sociology at Princeton University and senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, advised caution, saying that a purely economic approach fails to consider the underlying ideological challenges.  He said it was impractical to expect that economic incentives would make North Korea “turn around and become a responsible state that may eventually be de-nuclearized”.

Nevertheless, Russia’s strengthened economic ties with the Republic of Korea as well and its continued relations with the DPRK point to a changing landscape in the post-cold war era, and opens new opportunities for connection between North and South Korea.

Yet whether unification eventually materializes is contingent on the Korean people and their will to embrace a shared destiny.

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Dr. Soon Ok Kang, Secretary-General of Global Peace Women delivers congratulatory remarks on behalf of GPW Chairwoman Dr. Jun Sook Moon

The 7th Annual “Living for the Sake of Others Awards” honoring the selfless service of Paraguayan women was hosted at the National Congress in Asuncion, Paraguay on April 28, 2015. This year, nine women who have served the Paraguayan people in various fields such as education and empowerment of indigenous populations, service and volunteerism, national leadership and culture and arts were recognized.

Dr. Soon Ok Kang, newly appointed Secretary-General of Global Peace Women delivered the following congratulatory message on behalf of Dr. Jun Sook Moon on the auspicious occasion.

Esteemed dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen,

Bienvenidos!   Thank you.

Being here always warms my heart.  Paraguay is a nation built on a strong foundation of faith and family.  I have been moved by the bright and enthusiastic spirit of your people and it is no surprise that Paraguay was rated the “Happiest nation in the World” three years in row.  You have opened your doors to my husband and I and welcomed us in as family. To us, Paraguay is our second home.

Welcome to the 7th Annual Global Peace Foundation “Living for the Sake of Others” Awards Ceremony being held here in the Bicameral Room of the National Congress in Asuncion, Paraguay. It is always such an honor to meet with such distinguished women leaders. You are my heroes! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to take part in this significant event.

Front Row (left to right) : Recipients of the Living for the Sake of Others Awards – Gloria Concepción Criccione Pineda, Singer, Maria Juana Guainer de Carema, Town Mayor of Ybycuí, IX Paraguarí Department, Mirna Orrego Social Action Volunteer for indigenous communities of Carmelo Peralta Disctrict, Alto Paraguay, Feliciana Estela Acosta de Riquelme, President of the Lions Club, Asunción Kaaguy – Rory, Mari A Juana Guainer De Carema, Indigenous Guaraní Community, Department of Boquerón, Sister Amelia Fernández García, Religious Order of the Sacred Family of Burdeos, María Evangelista Troche Soler de Gallegos, President of the Town Women Network in Paraguay and Town Councilor to Asunción, Former Mayor of Asunción, María Dolores Galli de Florentín, President of the Santa Lucía Association, Maria Eliza G. de Samaniego, President of the Corazones Solidarios Foundation

Before I begin, I would like to recognize the hard work of the members, staff and supporters of GPW Paraguay. You have built a significant foundation over these past 7 years through the tradition of this special award. Without leaders like you GPW Paraguay could not have produced the many outstanding achievements that it has.

I would also like to give a very special recognition to my dear friends, Senator Lilian Samaniego and Governor Marlene Ocampos, both of whom have been members and supporters of the Global Peace family for many years and who truly exemplify the ideal of “Living for the Sake of Others?” Don’t you agree?

To the 9 exemplary women being awarded tonight – My heartfelt congratulations! Your untiring dedication to the people of Paraguay truly expresses the ideal of Living for the Sake of Others.

I know that Paraguay’s growing strength and bright future is built upon the efforts of the multitude of selfless women like yourselves working every day to realize true peace.

I am very moved by the story of Paraguay’s women, who played such an important role during the War of the Triple Alliance, fighting and sacrificing for their nation.

These hard-working women labored the land with their hands and with their bodies and gave birth to many loyal sons and daughters. But they did more than that to reconstruct this nation. These women who were wives and mothers and sisters took upon the task of educating the future of this nation, instilling in them the essential values of the importance of family, love for the nation, and perseverance in front of adversity.

I understand it was these women who rebuilt the culture, and maintained Paraguay’s proud identity, including its continued use of the Guaraní language. As mothers, wives, sisters, friends… this story truly shows the beautiful spirit that is rooted in your culture. It’s woman leaders like all of you here who are truly setting the precedent of living for the sake of others.

Four years ago, at the launch of Global Peace Women, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation said:

“The original nature and experience of women strengthen social activities and are essential to realizing the dream of establishing One Family under God.”

What are the aspects of the original nature of women that contribute to global peace?

Current research by numerous neuroscientists, psychologists, and sociologists support the conclusion that, in general, women have a greater capacity for empathy, compassion and the understanding of others’ hearts.

These qualities motivate women to aid in reconciliation and find resourceful, innovative ways to support the overall well-being of their families, the wider community and the world. These qualities foster the culture of living for the sake of others, which is essential to building world peace.

There are many examples of women who have transformed their communities and impacted our world. Their stories are a testament of women who have been driven by their original heart to seek global peace. If these virtues can be established as a public ethic in contemporary society, we can build beautiful, healthy communities and find creative new approaches to the many critical issues that remain unresolved.

A packed Bicameral Hall at Paraguay’s National Congress Building honor nine outstanding women.

Where does the original nature and experience of women most support the building of world peace?

It is in the family. We know that the family is the fundamental social unit and encapsulates the most intimate bonds of the human experience. Global peace will be built in expanding stages upon healthy, peaceful families.

The family is where we learn the most concrete lessons about living for the sake of others. Within the healthy family, most important is what is learned from the unconditional love of the mother.  A mother’s empathy and intuition toward her husband and children are the most important elements of family cohesion. They help sustain physical and mental health. The mother nurtures and educates her children to build trust among themselves, find meaning in life, develop good character, experience being loved and learning to give love in return.

Healthy, vibrant families prepare individuals to become productive and responsible members of society. All the fundamental relationships exist within the family: mother and father, husband and wife, brother and sister, sons and daughters, and the extended family. These relationships teach us how to relate to our diverse human family.

That is why Global Peace Women’s first task is to uplift the inherent qualities and true value of women, and empower them in their important role in the family to advance the vision of One Family under God. Global Peace Women recently introduced its motto, “Peace begins in the home.” We believe that a peaceful world first begins with building peaceful homes, and recognize that women are the driving force in that endeavor.

Events such as today’s award ceremony, affirm that the nation of Paraguay is making great strides to advance important goals such as: empowering women to proactively transform themselves and their families; fostering healthy and happy families; articulating the innate value of femininity; recognizing the indispensable leadership of women in the family and society; networking with local and global women leaders; and spreading the culture of service.

The work of GPW Paraguay has been impressive. Last year alone, the international women’s plenary held during the Global Peace Convention here in Asuncion, convened over 1,000 women from around the region. In addition, throughout the year, GPW Paraguay hosted numerous workshops and forums, and supported multiple different social service projects. GPW Paraguay has distinguished itself and I hope you continue to set new precedents for future chapters.

Your efforts are opening new pathways that can inspire women around the world. Through connecting our international efforts with your local efforts, we can generate more creative and impactful programs and activities to improve the lives of our families, communities and world.

We have witnessed the capability and nobility of Paraguayan women, and are honored to recognize nine of you tonight for giving your hearts to secure this nation’s bright future.

Ladies and gentlemen, our world needs our continued commitment and effort, but most importantly, it needs our love. I hope that we can join together in advancing this noble cause to build One Family under God.

Muchas gracias y felicitaciones.

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“This is a moment of decision. We stand at an inflection point in history where all factors are converging to accentuate the destiny of our people. Unlike the 20th century, the future of our peninsula, the region and the world lies in our hands. We hold all the cards, if only we are bold enough to seize this moment and shape what is to come.” Korean Dream: A Vision of a Unified Korea, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon

U.S. Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks Sydney Seiler addresses changing relations of China, U.S. and the two Koreas at a Washington DC forum

A recent forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C., jointly sponsored by the CSIS and the Global Peace Foundation examined changing relations between China the United States and the two Koreas.

According to Global Peace Foundation report, Ambassador U.S. Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks Sydney Seiler told the full house that the United States and China have been working to “align and reconfirm” common goals, of which a high priority is Northeast Asian peace and stability.

“China seeks peace and stability in Northeast Asia; so do we,” Seiler said. “China seeks denuclearization of the Korean peninsula as a foundation for peace and stability. China understands the economic benefits of a peaceful and stable Korean peninsula, and so do we. And as a path toward these goals China seeks the return of North Korea to authentic and credible denuclearization negotiations; so do we. This consensus can form a firm foundation in the years ahead.”

The forum is a third in series that examines central topics concerning the unification of the Korean peninsula, many of which are raised in Dr. Moon’s award-winning book, “Korea Dream: A Vision for a Unified Korea.” Dr. Hyun Jin Moon posits a new approach to unification focused on a common vision rooted in the Korean people’s indigenous spiritual heritage as opposed to the traditional frameworks of the cold-war and political economic perspectives.

Left to Right: Dr. Victor Cha, Korea Chair of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Amb. Sydney Seiler and Dr. Quansheng Zhao, Professor of International Relations and Chair of the Asian Studies Program Research Council at American University, discuss China’s role in securing Korean unification.

Among other contributing factors to China’s shifting perspective towards the Korean peninsula raised at the forum is China’s growing economic relations with the Republic of Korea. Comparatively, trade between China and the ROK is 45 times that of China and the DPRK.

Ambassador Selier also noted the significance of U.S. support of ROK President Park Geun-hye’s push for improved inter-Korea relations. He praised President Park’s “untiring efforts to move inter-Korea relations forward with a balance of principle and pragmatism.” President Park has proactively promoted the benefits of reconciliation and denuclearization for the Korean people and regional peace and security..

Dr. Quansheng Zhao, Professor of International Relations and Chair of the Asian Studies Program Research Council at American University, provided an introspective look at China’s changing political make up and how has factored into China’s shifting position towards the two Koreas. “China is much more pluralistic,” he noted, “with different schools of thought.”

In the early 90’s China began normalizing relations with the ROK, moving away from ideologically driven policy towards more pragmatic, national interest driven decisions. China has also adopted what Dr. Zhao called a “co-management approach,” that takes into consideration global governance. However, despite some consensus on issues such as denuclearization of the peninsula, internal debates about topics such as keeping North Korea as a buffer state still continue.

The forum acknowledged the multiple opportunities presented with unification. Unification would enable infrastructural development in the North, and open new avenues for trade with emerging regional partners like China and Russia. Korea shared history with China and the United States prior to its independence would also allow it to serve as a natural intermediary between East and West.

But, as Dr. Moon points out in Korean Dream, the final decision rests in the hands of the Korean people.

Visit here for original article.

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Nearly 40% of the Korean diaspora lives in China. A large concentration resides in Yanbian, making up 32 percent of the prefecture’s total population.  The autonomy the region enjoys as a whole is also closely linked to the large Korean population. Korean is recognized as one of the official languages.  The majority of those who moved to the region from Korea arrived between 1845-1945, around the time of the Japanese colonial occupation of the Korean peninsula. Most of these residents have rarely, if ever, traveled to Korea.

Top to bottom: Bulgaksa Buddhist Temple, Daereungwon Tomb complex, Cheonseongdae observatory and Wolji Pon.

In March 2015, the Global Peace Foundation-Korea, the Korean International Trade Association (KITA) and the China-Korea Hanmaeum Association hosted a history and cultural education tour of Korea for 40 of these ethic Koreans from the Yanbian region.

The tour was appropriately themed “나를 찾아 떠나는 여행” or Traveling in search of one’s self, borrowing from the title of a best-selling novel by the same name. Over the course of two days and one night, participants traveled their ancestral homes through the Gyongju region of South Korea.

The group followed the footsteps of their ancestors. They visited the Daereungwon Tombs, burial grounds of the Silla Dynasty royal family; Cheomseongdae, built in the 7th century, claims to be the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia; Wolji Pond, a man-made garden pond in Donggung Palace; and Bulguksa, whose impressive stairwells lead up to the heart of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

Local tour volunteers took extra care to explain the significance and historical background of each stop to this group of long-lost brethren. The program also included lectures by historians and experts. Historian Lee Jae Hee walked the groups through the history of the Three Kingdoms and United Kingdoms.

Korea International Trade Association chairman, Kim Young Sun, noted the significance of Koreans in China coming back to learn and experience their history and culture.

At the conclusion of the tour, Global Peace Foundation Korea President, Mr. In Taek Seo called on participants to take an active role in reuniting their homeland. Many participants expressed support for the Global Peace Foundation’s approach to Korean unification that focuses on shared principles stemming from the ancient Korean philosophy of “Hong-ik Ingan”, living for the benefit of humanity. They also had spirited discussions on the role that the Korean Diaspora in China could play in securing unification.

The Global Peace Foundation – Korea plans to continue similar programs to engage the Korean Diaspora scattered around the world in the unique mission and spirit of Hong-ik Ingan.

For the original story visit: www.globalpeace.org 

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A recent forum hosted by the Center for International and Strategic Studies and the Global Peace Foundation highlighted South Korea’s growing role in global humanitarian development. In less than 50 years, South Korea has transitioned from a aid-receiving nation to and aid-providing nation. It’s exceptional story of economic development has been considered a new model for many emerging nations.

Below is the report posted on the Global Peace Foundation.

Posted on March 18, 2015

South Korea’s growing international development experience will hold important lessons in any future scenario of unification with North Korea, Ambassador Young-mok Kim, president of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), told a Washington D.C. forum on March11.

 Amb. Kim said that the experience in assisting less-developed countries with health, education, and infrastructure projects provided lessons that would prove invaluable in assisting the economically backward North in the future. Per capita GDP in South Korea is 30-40 times greater than that in the North.

He said that KOICA’s work in former communist countries such as Laos and Cambodia could prove especially helpful as they showed North Korea a model for transition. Amb. Kim was speaking at a forum, “The United States, South Korea and Civil Society Cooperation in Global Humanitarian Development,” jointly sponsored by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Global Peace Foundation. KOICA is now active in over 100 countries.

“This may be the first time Korea has introduced its work for global development in Washington,” D.C., Amb. Kim said.  He described Korea’s dynamic transition from an aid recipient with a per capita GDP in 1953 of $73 to an official donor country. In the fifty years after 1945 Korea received $12 billion in international aid, 44 percent of which came from the U.S.

“Many developing nations consider Korea an exemplary model for development. They are attracted by its focus on grassroots rural community development.”

KOICA volunteers have worked together around the world with the Peace Corps.

KOICA has close working arrangements with the U.S. Peace Corps (above) as well as with USAID and UN agencies to support projects in 130 countries.

But Korea also learned to help itself, not only through a growing industrial sector in the 1970s but also through the Saemaul Undong or “New Village Movement.” This encouraged enterprise and self-reliance in rural communities. It balanced development there with the advances in the urban industrial sector and helped to limit income inequality.

The Korean experience of growth is one that many developing nations are now anxious to learn from. “Many developing nations consider Korea an exemplary model for development,” Amb. Kim said. “Over 30 countries are planning to adopt Saemaul Undong,” he continued. They are attracted by its focus on grassroots rural community development.

Jon Brause, director of the World Food Program’s (WFP) D.C. office, added that Korea’s unique development experience, which includes a strong civil society element, is being recognized by other countries. “Korea gives nations the confidence to say ‘We can do it too.’” WFP has partnered with KOICA for 51 years. They are currently cooperating to implement Saemaul Undong in several African countries.

Amb. Kim stressed the importance of public and private partnerships for KOICA and for successful development work in general. Although KOICA does not work directly in North Korea it cooperates closely with a number of UN agencies that are active there and helps facilitate their work. KOICA also has close working arrangements on many projects with the U.S. agencies, USAID and the U.S. Peace Corps.In the private sphere, “KOICA is very keen to seek for innovative partnerships with prestigious global NGOs and foundations that will bring far-reaching impact,” he said. Domestically, KOICA has worked with civil society groups for 20 years to leverage resources and experience. It is engaged with 130 civil society partners. In 2013, Korea’s non-profit sector raised $3.8 billion to support 1,400 projects in 103 countries.

Such partnerships, public and private, domestic and international, would prove vital, said Amb. Kim, in “helping countries in transition or in transformation to succeed and finally achieve democracy and prosperity.”

For original story and program visit: www.globalpeace.org

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“We are going to be making a pledge, by signing the Abuja declaration make this pledge your own. Make this your mission in life to make sure that there is a positive future for this nation of Nigeria and the continent of Africa.”
-Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, chairman of the Global Peace Foundation, Global Peace Leadership Conference, Abuja, Nigeria, 2013.

Bishop Sunday Onuoha adds his signature to the Abuja Declaration at the close of GPLC 2013. International delegates from over 20 nations pledging to “Create a strategic platform to promote universal principles for peacebuilding and our shared values as One Family under God.”

On November 9 2013, the closing of the Global Peace Leadership Conference in Abuja, Nigeria, faith and civil society leaders, government and international officials, and traditional rulers signed the Abuja Declaration,

•  “ACKNOWLEDGING the sovereignty of Almighty God, the source of inalienable rights of all members of the human family, and the basis for the equality, dignity and intrinsic value of all people as One Family under God;”
•  And COMMITTED to “create a strategic platform to promote universal principles for peacebuilding and our shared values as One Family under God.”

Since then, local owners of the “One Family Under God” campaign have initiated ongoing interfaith retreats, joint service projects, and educational programs as part of the “One Family Under God” campaign which aims to build cooperation and social-cohesion around shared values and universal principles of major religions.

Most recently, a unique Christmas get-together hosted by the wife of Governor Yero of Kaduna and the Global Peace Foundation-Nigeria drew together significant Christian and Muslim leaders from the state. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was represented by Rev. Sunday Ibrahim, CAN Secretary of the Kaduna State and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI)  was represented by Imam Ibrahim Mahe of the Kaduna State. Both made a commitment to uphold peace during the upcoming presidential elections, as heightened concerns and not too distant recollections of election related violence loom in the public consciousness.

Women leaders from around Kaduna State, both Muslim and Christian, were present at the Christmas gathering. Participants were given a holiday gift, a bag of rice, sponsored by H.E. Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, wife of the vice president of Nigeria, and H.E. Hajiya Fatima Ramalan Yero, wife of the Governor of Kaduna State.

Women leaders have also become significant contributors, particularly in their role in the family. The get-together host Hajiya Fatima Ramalan Yero told the women present, “All mothers must ensure that they teach their children the virtues of love, tolerance and respect for the dignity of the other person.”

The women leadership represented included Her Excellency Naomi Nuhu Audu Bajoga, wife of the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State; Hajiya Za’uma Shehu Tahir, wife of the Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly; Hajiya Halima Hamza, wife of the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government; Barakatu Yahaya Aminu, wife of the Chief of Staff to the Governor; Hajiya Aishatu Ibrahim, wife of the State Chairman of the ruling Political Party; and Habiba Shehu Ahmad, wife of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Her Excellency, Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, wife of Nigeria’s vice president, and the wife of the Governor donated gifts of rice for the participants.

As Dr. Moon said, as owners of the vision of One Family under God arise from all generations of Nigerians, and make that vision into reality, “Nigeria can become a light and a true leader in the new emerging Africa, an example and inspiration for other nations to follow.”

Read the full report of the Nigeria Christmas Get-together at www.globalpeace.org

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(left to right): Dr. Victor Cha, Korea Chair, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Ambassador Bulgaa Altengerel, Ambassador of Mongolia to the United States, Dr. Tsedendamba Batbayar, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mongolia, Ambassador Mark C. Minton, President, The Korea Society.

A forum co-hosted by the Global Peace Foundation and the Center for Strategic and International Studies examined Mongolia’s possible role in cultivating relations on the Korean peninsula. Dr. Victor Cha, the Korea Chair at CSIS, said, “We don’t usually think of Mongolia in the context of peninsular diplomacy.”  Yet, Dr. Cha added, diplomatic attempts through the Six-Party talks have begun to sound like the same record, playing over the same issues without progress. In light of indicators like the speech made by President Elbegdorj of Mongolia at Kim Il Sung University last October promoting fundamental human rights and freedoms, Dr. Cha expressed that perhaps it is timely to explore the potential of Mongolian engagement.

The forum  on “Mongolia’s Diplomacy with the Two Koreas” on December 3 drew experts from the United States and Mongolia, including the current Ambassador of Mongolia to the United States, Ambassador Bulgaa Altengerel, Dr. Tsedendamba Batbayar from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and Ambassador Mark C. Minton, President of The Korea Society. Dr. Cha moderated the proceedings.

The Global Peace Foundation has been a long-time advocate for the inclusion of Mongolia as an essential player in securing Northeast Asian Peace, particularly the with the situation on the Korean peninsula. In the summer of 2011, prior to the Global Peace Convention held at the end of the year in Seoul that focused on issue of Korean unification, Dr. Moon visited Mongolia for a Global Peace Leadership Conference and the celebration of the Hun people.

In his opening remarks Dr. Moon made a case for Mongolia’s involvement:

Mongolia’s role is crucial. Unlike the participants of the Six Party Talks which have been polarized with vested historic, ideological, and strategic interests, Mongolia is a friend to all those participants with no vested interests besides the desire to broker good will, dialogue and cooperation. In addition, it has diplomatic relations and open contacts with both Koreas. Thus, given the current impasse and possibility of future disagreements down the road, Mongolia can play a unique role that countries like the United States, Japan, China and Russia could not fulfill. It is well-suited for an emerging role in developing innovative initiatives and best practices for reconciliation and development in the region, because of its historical background and geopolitical position as well as its own recent experiences.

The Mongolian people have a rich and proud history, a strong spiritual heritage, and deep family traditions. Mongolia is now poised to play a unique role as a leader for global peace.”

Ambassador Altengerel mentioned regional peacemaking efforts spearheaded by Mongolia such as the Mongolian president’s Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security, a diplomatic initiative that pulls scholars and researchers together, and a conference on regional security was held last June in the Mongolian capital on the theme “Energy, Infrastructure, and Regional Connectivity.”

The forums are a series co-organized by the Global Peace Foundation and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The next one is scheduled for February examining the impact of humanitarian aid in North-South Korean relations.

Read the comprehensive report, MONGOLIA-ROK COOPERATION URGED ON NORTH KOREA ENGAGEMENT, here at Global Peace Foundation.

Find Dr. Moon’s full address delivered at the Global Peace Leadership Conference in Ulanbatuur, Mongolia in 2011 here.

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The Kaduna Peace Summit called on religious leaders, traditional rulers and civil society representatives to work together for peace.

The One Family Under God campaign was launched with a coalition of religious, governmental and traditional leaders in 2013. The simple recognition of the inextricably connected destiny of people of all faiths and Nigerians as a whole has started gained momentum and yielded real impact in Nigeria.

Most recently, over 700 government and religious leaders, traditional rulers and civil society representatives attended the Kaduna Peace Summit on October 23, 2014. The summit reviewed the outcomes of the ongoing Interfaith Youth Leaders Retreats that have been held since the middle of the year as part of the “One Family Under God Campaign” and issue a call, particularly for religious leaders, to foster greater coordination and cooperation in the nation to secure peace as the foundation for development.

H.E. Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, wife of the vice president of Nigeria attended with several women leaders, including the wife of the Kaduna State governor and the wife of the deputy governor. Other notable attendees included: a representative of the Governor of Kaduna State, 230 delegates from the 23 local government areas, alumni of previous Interfaith Youth Leader Retreats, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria and Ja’amatu Nasril Islam, and leaders of several interfaith associations of Nigeria like the Nigerian Interfaith Action Association, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution; and the Interfaith Mediation Center of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue in Kaduna State.

Summit chair Archbishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon, the Anglican Archbishop of the Province of Kaduna and Bishop of Kaduna diocese, fondly called, “Mr. Dialogue”.

The overwhelming message went out to religious leaders and people of faith to recognize the principles and values shared by both religions. “We have a common God and we therefore have common values,” said summit chair Archbishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon, the Anglican Archbishop of the Province of Kaduna and Bishop of Kaduna diocese, fondly called, “Mr. Dialogue. He said peace building and service are an expression of these shared values.

A number of speakers, including H.E. Amina Sambo, recognized the connection between peace and development. Noting that recent inter-religious violence has stagnated the economic and social growth of the State, while alluding to historic accounts of peaceful relations to suggest that it is possible for regions to live and work together.

H.E. Amina Sambo stressed that faith should serve as a catalyst for peace, not conflict. She said, “Although our country, Nigeria is a secular state we do know that most of us are either Muslims or Christians. The same God created us though we worship him in different ways. We are one family under one God. Therefore we should live together in peace and not use religion or ethnicity to unleash violence and kill as both religions preach peace.” Recognizing the upcoming elections next year, she said peace imperative to ensure a fair and free election.

H.E. Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, wife of the vice president of Nigeria addresses the peace summit.

Pastor James Wuye, co-directors of the Interfaith Mediation Center of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue in Kaduna State, put out a challenge to the summit, “My Challenge to all of us is that, let us start a competition in this state and the competition should be, who will outwit the other in doing good; is it the Muslims or the Christians? Let’s start the completion of sharing love, sharing food, sharing money and let there be a scale”.

Imam Muhammad Ashafa recognized the role of women in securing peace in the home, and directly addressed the women leaders present, “I call on our mothers to take this seriously, start from home to forgive the unforgiveable so that the future can be a better place.”The summit recognized the impact of the “One Family under God” campaign and the work of the Global Peace Foundation to foster interfaith cooperation and peace. Her Excellency, Hajiya Fatima Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, wife of the Governor of Kaduna State said, “I cannot but commend the efforts and sacrifice of Global Peace Foundation for this summit organised to foster understanding and cooperation.” She sounded her optimism for peace in Kaduna State, saying: “I am optimistic that with the help of our youths, peace organisations, associations and foundations like the Global Peace Foundation, we will overcome any obstacle that stands in the way of our continued peaceful coexistence”.

Original story appeared on www.globalpeace.org

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Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, chairman of the Global Peace Foundation at an interview on Saturday. (photo credit: Global Peace Foundation)

During the Global Peace Leadership Conference, just concluded on September 30 in Seoul, the Korea Times interviewed Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Founder of the Global Peace Foundation and author of the recently released book Korean Dream: A Vision of a Unified Korea.

He told the Korea Times, “Unification really is a ‘jackpot’ like Park Geun-hye said. I’m sure young people today think that South Korea will maintain its trajectory and its standard of living. But they don’t realize the fundamental weaknesses and flaws in the South Korean economy,”

But he emphasized that beneath this economic “jackpot” lies a cohesive unifying philosophy that is a genuinely shared national treasure between both Seoul and Pyongyang _ the ancient Korean mantra that is devoted to “the welfare of mankind,” or “hongik ingan”.

Read the full interview at the Korea Times.

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Dr. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman of Global Peace Women delivered a powerful address at the recent Global Peace Women Leadership Conference in Seoul, Korea leading up to the Global Peace Leadership Conference the following week. The conference, attended by women leaders from Korea and the Philippines, addressed the theme “Women’s Leadership in Social Transformation Through Family Values”.

Below is her speech.

 “Women’s Leadership in Social Transformation Through Family Values”

September 24, 2014 Seoul, Republic of Korea

Good morning.

It is so wonderful to be here amongst such great leaders and great women.

It is even more empowering to be amongst women of faith who are working to advance the vision of One Family under God and who understand this cannot be realized without the work and contribution of the women of the world.

I would like to especially acknowledge our guests of honor who have joined us today.  H.E. Congresswoman Jasmine Lee, President Seonja Gye, Dr. Nona S. Ricafort, Professor Hwagyeong Jang, and Dr. Diann Dawson. Today we have representatives gathered from two special nations, Korea and the Philippines, two nations where it is natural to look to each of you as my “ates” and “titas”, as my “onni” or to see myself as your onni.  We come from nations with strong spiritual traditions with family at the core.  We both belong to cultures where the family is the root of community and the nation and where, in turn, the entire nation can be seen as an extended family.

To all of you I say 안녕하세요, 반갑습니다, and Magandang umaga, Maligayang pagdating. A warm welcome to you all.

This Global Peace Women’s Leadership Conference is a timely gathering that coincides with many other prestigious leadership conferences taking place around the world. Early this year GPF Paraguay hosted a ground-breaking symposium between Korea and Paraguay. GPF-USA just concluded their Global Peace Leadership Conference on the spiritual renewal of the nation.  In a few days GPF-Korea will convene a Leadership Conference on a vision for Korean unification, here in Seoul. Later this year we will have interfaith forums in Northern Ireland and India and our annual Convention in Paraguay.  In all of these, the insights, contributions, and best practices that women leaders share will be a significant part of advancing the work of the Global Peace Foundation.

The Growing Phenomenon of Family Breakdown Despite Global Recognition of its Importance 

The theme of today’s conference is “Women’s Leadership in Social Transformation Through Family Values.” I think we can all agree that family is the cornerstone of society, and that strengthening families is an essential element of building healthy societies, nations and a prosperous, ethical world. This was echoed by every key speaker during the observance of the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family at the recent convening of the United Nations’ Commission for Social Development.

Similarly, government agencies, NGOs and local communities recognize the central role of family in their approaches to alleviate poverty and improve access to education and health care. Yet, despite the recognition of the importance of family, there is an alarming global trend of family breakdown, resulting in a noticeable decline in the moral standards, economic well-being, and quality of life of families and youth.

Despite the recognition of the importance of family, there is an alarming global trend of family breakdown, resulting in a noticeable decline in the moral standards, economic well-being, and quality of life of families and youth.

In my view, too many of the global discussions on the family have not addressed the root issues of family breakdown. Rather they have sought to form Band-Aid solutions for the social problems that have resulted.  Even more seriously, I see a growing acceptance of the deterioration of the traditional family and increasing pressure for a redefinition of the family itself.  In these circumstances, I believe it is essential to understand and examine the family ideals expressed in faith traditions and traditional cultures throughout the world, and the ethos and values they promote.

The Importance and Role of Family

My husband often says that any great transformative movement must start with spiritual aspirations, principles, and values. The Global Peace Foundation promotes the profound vision of building One Family under God. It recognizes that “family” is fundamental to the meaning and fulfillment of that dream. It is at the essence of what all people cherish and the foundation of forming just, ethical, cohesive and prosperous societies. Men and women, who can govern themselves in accordance to their conscience and live for the sake of the well-being of others, are virtuous individuals of character.  It will be these virtuous men and women form strong, healthy families and contribute to the greater society, nation and to their world.  The starting point for raising such individuals is the family.

The family is the “school of love and virtue” in which the character and heart of each individual is formed at the deepest level. Faith is first put into practice as values and lived out as virtues at home. It is also the foundation for meeting the physical and spiritual needs of people. Every child comes to know his or her intrinsic value through the unconditional love of parents. A child’s basic notions of security, comfort, love, empathy, self-sacrifice, self-esteem and responsibility are nurtured in the home.

Korea developed the tradition of the extended family to a high degree.  At the core of its cultural heritage was the concept of Hongik Ingan, which taught that the Korean people should live for the benefit of all humanity.

Human beings are relational beings that find the deepest fulfillment in relation to others.  Family defines the most intimate relationships, especially the most sacred relationship between a man and woman through which new life is formed in that love.  Experience in the family forms the foundation for how every person sees and interacts with the rest of the world. Relations within the family, between husband and wife, parents and children, and among siblings are instrumental for developing the virtues that underlie all positive social relations.

I want to share some of the benefits of the extended family model.  My husband writes extensively about this in his newly published book, “The Korean Dream: A Vision for a Unified Korea.”

Korea, in its history, developed the tradition of the extended family to a high degree.  At the core of its cultural heritage was the concept of Hongik Ingan, which taught that the Korean people should live for the benefit of all humanity.  This heritage was cultivated and passed down naturally in the home, nurturing at its heart a deeply spiritually tradition of self-sacrifice and love.

The relationships and virtues learned within the extended family are expanded to the larger society.  This is expressed in the way Koreans address those we relate to in familial terms — as elder brother, elder sister, aunts, uncles, mothers, and fathers. Every role in society is built from the family blueprint, especially the deepest relationship between the parent and child: from the teacher- student relationship in school to the relationship between the government and its people.

In the context of extended family, marriage is not only the concern of just two people. It is the bonding of two families into the lineage that continues through their children. Newly married couples and young families have elders who can serve as ready counselors, offering their advice and example. Other dimensions come to life in the extended family.

As the family connects past, present and future generations, lineage, tradition and heritage become important.  One learns about one’s identity, culture, traditions, and norms in an environment of love.  Children learn to respect, honor and care for the elder generations as they watch their parents attend the grandparents and prior generations.  The elders can pass on their wisdom to the next generation who carry on the dreams and lifelong work of the previous generation. Furthermore, the extended family provides a natural setting to learn through relationships formed through its plethora of personalities and generations. Individuals learn how to fulfill the responsibilities of their unique roles, learn to think beyond themselves and their individual desires, and learn that they are part of a web of relationships to which they contribute something unique and beautiful.

The extended family environment helps to shape the habits of heart that prepare people to relate with the diversity of the human family.  Within this environment of love, a child naturally comes to understand his or her cultural heritage and traditions. In such a family, children naturally inherit a lifestyle of living for others as they have to consider the many relatives around them and as they watch their parents and grandparents live for the sake of their communities, nations and world. Such an environment will nurture children with an altruistic worldview who become global ethical citizens, actively engaged in improving the human condition.

The Loss of Family Values and Consequences of the Deterioration of the Family

The essence of the values formed within strong families and especially the extended family is the culture of service, living for others and living for the greater good.  The family was to become the natural learning ground of such a lifestyle and the individuals raised in such families were to carry that culture out to the world. Today we see self-centered individualism fueling a culture of materialism, consumerism, hedonism, and a selfish mindset that only one’s own happiness matters.  This destructive culture has been the crux of the breakdown of family and consequentially the deterioration of even the most basic human relationships.  Today we are witnessing an increase in divorce rates, infidelity, out-of-wedlock births and fatherless families, heinous sex crimes, and countless other issues.

It is our conviction that these family ideals are not determined by our circumstances nor should be limited due by humanity’s shortcomings or setbacks thus far, but are grounded in essential principles expressed in our various faith traditions.  It is our mission to continually strive to achieve and uphold those spiritual aspirations and move our world toward a family ideal characterized by the deepest unconditional love and nurture.  

Because the state of the family impacts the greater society, the issue of family breakdown is very much a matter of public concern, not something that can be relegated to a private sphere. Study after study has linked a range of social problems directly to the breakdown of the family and a troubled home environment.  More and more young couples are choosing to co-habitate without committing to marriage and family. More seriously, we are seeing the impact on the next generation. Children are left traumatized by divorce or seeing violence in the home. Child abuse and exploitation have become a global concern, while more children are being removed by the state from unfit parents. Teen pregnancies and abandoned children add to the list of woes.  At the other end of the age spectrum, the situation of the elderly has become dire in certain societies. Japan, for example, is seeing the phenomenon of elders living alone and dying in solitude, rather than surrounded by the love and care of their children and grandchildren. This same phenomenon is beginning to appear in Korea too.

Changing family patterns also affect the ability of government to function. In many developed nations, the growing financial burden on the government, faced with shrinking birth rates and a growing retired population that it has to provide for, is becoming unsustainable. I am certainly not proposing that we turn back the clock to a time when women were treated unequally with discrimination, and their dignity, value and role not appreciated, respected and honored. We live in a world that is still far from the ideal, with many serious issues yet to resolve.   Our hearts can only have compassion for those women who have suffered domestic violence, infidelity, or other serious situations that may have led them to divorce and life as a single parent.

There is a huge and tragic gap between the ideals that encompass the purpose, values, and role of the family, and the actual experience and reality of family relationships.  Global Peace Women is committed to uplift the family ideal, beyond the present reality and efforts to negate or undermine those ideals.  It is our conviction that these family ideals are not determined by our circumstances nor should be limited due by humanity’s shortcomings or setbacks thus far, but are grounded in essential principles expressed in our various faith traditions.  It is our mission to continually strive to achieve and uphold those spiritual aspirations and move our world toward a family ideal characterized by the deepest unconditional love and nurture.

The Role of Women in New Models of National Transformation

There has been much talk about women empowerment and women’s rights, and indeed there has been pivotal progress made to recognize the need to secure the safety, advancement and voice of women. Today women can discover a cure to a sickness, serve the world in an NGO, lead as a CEO of a global enterprise, or in countless other ways use their hearts, creative minds, and skills to better the human condition. I am an advocate for finding more ways to provide our girls and our women more of such opportunities. At the same time, I believe we must not lose sight of the true value of women.   Our value is not determined by career advancement or financial success, nor by political power or social status.  And most certainly, the value of women is not determined in comparison to or in competition with men or by putting down men. I do not want to do so to my father, my husband, my sons, or my grandsons.  Likewise, I will not do so to the men of this world.

As spiritual women we should look to our great faith traditions and lead a spiritual movement that will uplift the dignity, value, and qualities of both men and women. 

As spiritual women we should look to our great faith traditions and lead a spiritual movement that will uplift the dignity, value, and qualities of both men and women. The problems of the world, and issues that are faced in particular by women and girls, cannot be resolved by looking to make men and women the same structurally, ignoring physiological differences and the unique qualities each were endowed with by our Creator.

Within the family there are mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters.  Together men and women create the whole family, and likewise, men and women create our human family.  Within a family, men and women are different but complementary.  We need each other and have what the other needs and wants. We are designed differently with different faculties through which we process and view the world.  Parenthood is the most precious vocation every man and woman can part take in together as we invest in and raise the most precious treasure we bring into this world, our sons and daughters. Likewise, the solution to the family has to be spiritual in its nature as well because human beings are not simply bundles of physical needs.

Human beings are relational, and thus need to love and be loved, and need to feel valued. The love, security, support and education that comes from the family and the vast network of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and relatives of the extended family can never be replaced by a day care or senior care institution.  Every human being has a spiritual nature and has intrinsic value. Understanding this fundamental truth is the starting point for creating holistic solutions to reverse the current trends of deteriorating families and societies.

Women are the ones who will give birth and be the mothers to our children. We are the caring sisters to our siblings and wives to our husbands. Women are naturally the doctors, educators and caretakers within the family, and they become the glue that holds the family together and connects it to the larger community to address common needs and concerns. As women take up their essential roles within the family, their role naturally expands to the community, nation, and world, because they are raising the next generation and people who will become contributors to the community, nation and world.

The Gramene Bank founded by Muhammad Yunus recorded in its 2012 Annual Report that 96.19% of the recipients of micro loans were given to women.  These women, with even a tiny investment, find ways to improve the situations of their children and families. There are countless examples of women purchasing reeds to weave baskets or seeds to plant crop to sell at the market.  This additional income has resulted in better food, clothing, and education for their children.

Some of the efforts of the Global Peace Foundation have also seen similar effects.  The All-Lights Village Project for example, has provided a comprehensive solution using solar lights that save money from kerosene bought for oil lamps, alleviating the health issues caused by kerosene fumes, and has created more flexibility with time and money that yields new opportunities for education and economic development.  Another program in the Philippines, GlobALS, has focused on implementing an alternative learning system for underserved populations in even the most remote villages.  Linking the All-Lights Village Project with the GlobALS program has created even greater impact.

In Uganda and Nepal, Global Peace Women is actively involved in the Clean Cookstoves initiative, drastically reducing health related problems including fatalities related to indoor smoke inhaled by mothers and young children.  Because the Clean Cookstoves use a fraction of firewood, women spend less time collecting firewood and have more time for education, sanitization, and economic development projects.  Consequentially, incidents of rape and harm women face as they spend hours gathering firewood has lessened. Women leaders are the drivers of many of these initiatives, and women are targets of these projects in local communities because they often are the hubs of development there. We women want our children to become people of good moral character. We are the natural guardians of virtue in the home and strong values in the community. For this reason, we have strong concerns when donor countries, in the guise of promoting development, actually impose secular cultural attitudes that undermine traditional values particularly those related to the family.

We can be the drivers of a spiritual women’s movement that creates a new model of development that not only advances economic development but also respects and honors moral values and the family tradition. 

We can be the drivers of a spiritual women’s movement that creates a new model of development that not only advances economic development but also respects and honors moral values and the family tradition.  The Global Peace Foundation has made it a priority to develop such models on several continents.

In Paraguay, recently a groundbreaking public-private partnership was forged with great hopes to build Paraguay into a regional hub of manufacturing, heavy industries, distribution, and services.  But this took many years of the work of the Global Peace Foundation to first address issues of social corruption and political instability. There was much work with the youth, women, and political, civic, and business leaders to put as priority the moral and ethical framework for the nation and define the aspirations, principles and values that would guide the nation’s development.

In Paraguay the role of the Global Peace Women has been critical. I urge that we put our hearts and minds together, put our nations at the frontline as well to build these new models of development built on sound spiritual values. Closing The Global Peace Foundation is promoting a model of national transformation that believes successful economic development can only take place on a solid spiritual and moral foundation. It begins with a vision, principles, and values that are then given practical expression through a range of projects, including character and leadership education, volunteerism and service, and strengthening families and communities. These create a foundation of social and political stability that can sustain equitable development. These also provide the basis to resolve long-standing identity-based conflict and regional tensions and move toward peace and social cohesion in a diverse world.

Strong, healthy, vibrant families are an essential foundation for all of Global Peace Foundation’s work and women play a central role. Just as in the family a woman tries to cultivate in her children the qualities of character that will help them become responsible citizens, so in the community, women, working together, can promote the values and practices that create a vibrant and just society. I hope through our dialogue and discourse at this conference we can share our experiences and our expertise. I trust we can clarify the unique role that women have to play in the process of social and national transformation. And that we can develop plans for practical initiatives that will contribute to our success in that role.

Thank you for your dedication and support for making this conference a success and may God bless you and your families.

Maraming salamat, Mabuhay po kayo! 감사합니다. Thank you very much.

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